The United States’ 3×3 basketball teams have encountered a challenging start at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with both the men’s and women’s teams yet to secure a win in their first five combined games. This unexpected performance highlights the distinct challenges the US faces in the fast-paced 3×3 format compared to the traditional 5×5 game, where they have historically been dominant.
The women’s 3×3 team, featuring notable players like Cierra Burdick and Rhyne Howard, opened their campaign with a narrow 17-13 loss to Germany. They followed this with another close defeat, falling 20-17 to Azerbaijan. The third match saw them narrowly edged out by Australia with a score of 17-15. These losses have placed the women’s team at the bottom of the standings, a stark contrast to the dominance displayed by the US women’s 5×5 team, which has not lost an Olympic game since 1992 and is pursuing its eighth consecutive gold medal.
US Basketball vs US 3×3 Basketball pic.twitter.com/paVuSFJp6I
— JPAŦŦ 🌵✭ (@Jpatt_3) August 1, 2024
One key factor contributing to the women’s 3×3 team’s struggles could be the limited time they’ve had to develop team chemistry. Unlike the 5×5 format, where teams often have extensive training and preparation periods, the 3×3 team has only been playing together for a short period. Cierra Burdick, reflecting on their loss to Germany, admitted that she “didn’t think it was going to be that ugly,” indicating some level of surprise and unpreparedness.
The men’s 3×3 team, comprising players like Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, also experienced a rough start. They lost 22-14 to Serbia, the top-ranked team globally, in their opening match. The following day, the team suffered another setback, losing 19-17 to Poland. These results have left the men’s team similarly at the bottom of their group standings.
The 3×3 format differs significantly from the traditional 5×5 basketball setup. It is a fast-paced, half-court game lasting a maximum of 10 minutes, with only one and two-point shots (as opposed to three-pointers). The game demands a unique skill set and a different strategic approach, which may not align perfectly with the traditional strengths of US basketball, known for its depth of talent in the NBA and WNBA.
Another challenge unique to the 3×3 format is the player selection process. Unlike 5×5 rosters, where top players can be selected regardless of prior participation, 3×3 players must accrue points by participating in sanctioned 3×3 events throughout the year. This requirement can limit the availability of top talent for national teams, as was the case for the US teams, which had to select players who might not necessarily be the country’s best but who had the requisite 3×3 experience.
The women’s team notably lacks the star power and extensive professional experience seen in the 5×5 squad. Players like Dearica Hamby and Rhyne Howard bring some WNBA experience, but others, like Hailey Van Lith and Cierra Burdick, are either still in college or playing overseas. This roster composition stands in contrast to the star-studded lineup of the 5×5 team, featuring veterans like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi, who bring a wealth of Olympic and professional experience.
Despite these early setbacks, the tournament is far from over. Both the men’s and women’s teams have several games remaining in the pool stage, providing opportunities to turn their fortunes around. Jimmer Fredette, a key player for the men’s team, expressed optimism after their losses, emphasizing the length of the tournament and the team’s eagerness to improve in the coming matches.
Team USA’s women’s 3×3 team is now 0-3 in #Olympics pool play 😳
The gold-medal winners from the Tokyo Games are the only winless women’s team in this event. pic.twitter.com/wKYQiCa3L2
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) August 1, 2024
The performance of the US 3×3 teams at the Paris Olympics underscores the challenges of transitioning to a new format and the importance of preparation and chemistry. As the games continue, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if these teams can adapt and make a push for the podium, even as they navigate the unique dynamics of the 3×3 game.
Key Points:
i. US 3×3 basketball teams are winless in their first five combined games at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
ii. The women’s team, featuring players like Cierra Burdick and Rhyne Howard, suffered losses to Germany, Azerbaijan, and Australia.
iii. The men’s team, including Jimmer Fredette and other non-NBA players, lost to Serbia and Poland.
iv. The 3×3 format presents unique challenges, including a faster pace, half-court play, and specific roster selection criteria.
v. Both teams have remaining pool stage games, offering opportunities to improve their standings and aim for the podium.
Al Santana – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
